Have you noticed everything in Wheaton getting a little bit more colorful? Andy Warhol's iconic Pop Art style is spreading in our community in celebration of the Andy Warhol Portfolios: A Life in Pop Art exhibition at the College of DuPage's McAninch Arts Center.
The City of Wheaton, Wheaton Public Library, Downtown Wheaton Association, Wheaton Park District, Wheaton Chamber of Commerce, and many businesses and community organizations are coming together to offer a summer of fun and activities in Wheaton as colorful as Andy Warhol's influential art. Check out www.theccma.org/warhol for information about the art exhibit, on display through September, and enjoy a creative summer in Wheaton!
The Downtown Wheaton Association has compiled all of the exciting Wheaton Warhol events happening in our community in one place. Check it out at www.downtownwheaton.com/warhol.
Check out this Pop Art Fire Hydrant project of the Fine & Cultural Arts Commission inspired by the Andy Warhol Portfolios exhibit at College of DuPage: Wheaton's downtown fire hydrants have been painted by local artists in a pop art theme!
The College of DuPage challenged all communities in DuPage County to participate in a Pop Art Challenge by selecting four individuals from their community to be turned into a Warhol-style portrait and displayed in a prominent location. The Wheaton Chamber of Commerce's Arts, Business and Culture Committee led a group of approximately 30 community stakeholders from local organizations and businesses in selecting Wheaton's "four faces" for the Pop Art Challenge.
The City of Wheaton, Wheaton Public Library, Wheaton Chamber and Downtown Wheaton Association hosted a ceremony May 22 to unveil the large portaits that are on display overlooking the Library's West Plaza throughout the summer. Speakers included Mayor Phil Suess, Wheaton College President Dr. Philip Ryken, McAninch Arts Center Director Diana Martinez and DuPage County Historical Museum Foundation President Marty Keller.
Artist Geoff Bevington created the portraits below, and you can read about the accomplishments of each individual.
Local historian Bob Goldsborough presented "Wheaton's Pop Stars," a talk about the four individuals highlighted below, at the Wheaton Public Library. Watch the video of this presentation.
Glennette Tilley Turner has focused much of her writing and research on the history of African Americans living in the Midwest. Raised on her father’s stories, Turner’s life has been dedicated to communicating history with impact. She has received many honors for her research on the Underground Railroad in Illinois.
Jonathan Blanchard was born in 1811 in Vermont. He studied at Andover Seminary, served as president of Knox College, and later, became president of the Illinois Institute, which he renamed Wheaton College after trustee and benefactor Warren L. Wheaton. Devoting his life to preaching and Christian service, he worked to reform education and advocated for the abolishment of slavery. He died in 1892 in Wheaton.
Marget Hamilton once said, “If you are afraid, you will never accomplish anything." She was the first woman elected to Wheaton’s City Council in 1961, and eight years later, became Wheaton’s first female mayor. Hamilton served 20+ years as Director for College of DuPage’s Older Adult Institute. She retired at age 93 and passed away at the age of 104.
Jim Belushi was raised in Wheaton with fond memories of Northside Park pool and the Popcorn Store. Belushi attended Wheaton Central High School, College of DuPage (COD) and Southern Illinois University, studying speech and theater arts. He joined Chicago’s famed Second City improv troupe and the Saturday Night Live cast. Over the years, Belushi’s television and film roles have expanded and multiplied.
